Valve



April 20, 19430 w. ERNS T 2,316,944

VALVE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec. 22, 1941 INVENTOQ WALTEQ EQNST ATI'OQNEVS V Patented Apr. 20, 1943 GFFICE VALVE I Walter Ernst, Mount Gilead, Ohio, assignor'to The Hydraulic Develo pment Corporation, Inc., I

WilmingtomDeL, a corporation of Delaware Application December 22,

This invention relates to valves and, in particular, to valves for use in hydraulic systems.

position of the valve. 1

It is another object to provide a fluid operable four-way valve having two pairsof cooperating ports, which is operable selectively so as to establish fluid'connection between the cooperating ports of each pair, or between the cooperating ports of one pair only.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a four-way valve, as set forth in the preceding-paragraph, which is operable selectively so as to prevent any fluid connection between its ports. V 1

Still another object of the invention consists in the provision of a. valve having a reciprocable control valve member, in which a fluid operable plunger extending into a cylinder in the valve member controls the position of the valve memr. 1 I A still further object of the invention consists in the provision of a valve having a reciprocable valve member, which has provided theretwo fluid operable in two'opposed cylinders with ber 23 having at each portion 26 of astepped of theend member or 21 has a bore 1941, Serial No. 423,972 16'Claiins. 01. 137-144) The central member ii is p'rovidedwith a bore 6 communicating with The bore i6 is furthermore connected with a main port 2| through an annular channel 22. Recip-v rocably mountedin' thebore I6 is a valvemem end thereof a cylinder 24 and 25 therein of substantially equaljsection. Reciprocably mounted in the cylinder 24 is the plunger, generally desig nated 21. The plunger 21 has a shoulder 28 for engagement with th valve member 23. r The plunger 21 extends through the ring member 30 interposed between the central member Ii and the end member l2, and has a piston portion 3] reciprocably mounted in the cylinder 32 l 2 and adapted with its shoulder ila to abut the ring member 30. The plung- 33 extending through the entire length thereof.

Communicating with one end of the cylinder 32 is a port 34 for admitting fluid into or discharging fluid from the cylinder 32. Extending into the cylinder 32 is an adjustable abutment member, for instance a screw 35, adapted to limit the leftward movement of the plunger 21.

plungers reciprocably mounted in said cylinders for controlling the position ber. I

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly from the of the valve memfollowing specification in connection with the f accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a section through the valve according to the present invention. Figures 2, 3, 4' and 5 show partially in section the valve according to t e invention in four different positions.

Figure 6 is a section along the line 6-5 of Figure 3. and

Figure 7 illustrates a hydraulic press circuit in connection with which the valve according to the invention may be used.

7 Structural arrangement 'Ihe valve shown in the drawings comprises a casing, generally designated in, which is composed of a central member H and two end members l2 and I3. The end members l2 and i3 are connected with the central member II in any convenient manner, for instance. by means of screws M, in which instance gaskets 15 are interposed between the end members and the central member.

. Similar to-the cylinder 24, the cylinder 25 has reciprocably mounted therein a stepped plunger 38 with a shoulder 31 for abutment with thepiston portion 38 or the valve member 23. The plunger-36 extends through a ring member 39 interposed between thecentral member II and the end member l3, and has apiston portion 40 reciproca-bly mounted in a cylinder, 4|, formed by a sleeve 42 in the end member i 3.. Th inward movement of the piston portion 40 is limited by the abutment oi. the shoulder 40a of pisston portion 40 with the ring member 39.

The end member l3 comprises furthermore a cylinder 43 of larger section than the cylinder 4|. Reciprooable in the cylinder 43 is a piston 44 with a piston rod ,45 extending through the end member I 3. To prevent leakage between the piston rod 45 and the end member I 3, packing material 46 compressed by a gland 47 is provided at thezouter end of the end member [3. I

The piston 44 and piston rod 45 have a threaded bore therethrough engaged by an adjusting screw 48 for limiting the outward movement of the plunger 36. The plunger 35 has, similar to the plunger 21, a longitudinal bore 49 there through. Communicating with the cylinder H is a port 50, while a port 5| communicates with the cylinder 43. v

The valve, according to the invention, may be piston portion 29 of the used in connection with various hydraulic circuits, for instance, with the press circuit shown in Figure '1. This press circuit comprises a press cylinder 52 having reciprocably mounted therein a ram 53 connected with a press platen54.

The presspla'ten 54 carries an actuating arm 55 which, in the fully. retracted position of the ram, 53, i. e., in this instance its uppermost position, actuates the two-way valve 55 so that it interrupts fluid connection between the conduit 51 and the conduit 58, which latter leads to the lower portion of the press cylinder 52. The valve 55, when released by the arm 55, automatically establishes fluid connection between the conduits 51 and 58.

Branching off from the conduit 58 is a conduit 55 which leads tothe port l8 of the valve casing in. The ports 11 and 25 in the valve casing N are connected with a conduit55 leading to a fluid reservoir or surge tank Connected with the surge tank 5| 'is a conduit 52 which'leads to a fluid source 53, for instance, an accumulator, which communicates through conduit54 with the main or inlet port 2|. "A conduit 55 furthermore establishes fluid connection between the upper portion of the press cylinder 52 and the {port I5. Branchin off duit 56 comprising a make-up device 51, for instance a surge valve, leading to the tank 5|. Also connected with the tank 8| is a conduit 58 leading to the suction side of a pilot pump 59, the pressure side of which communicates through conduit 15, with one port 01' a three-way valve 15, Another port of the three-way valve 1| is connected by means of conduit 12 with the tank 5|. A third conduit 13 connects the third port of valvev 1| with the port 34 i2 oi the valve casing I5. I

Branching ofl? from the conduit 12 is a conduit 15 leading to one port of a three-way valve 15 and communicating through a branch line 15 with one port of a three-way valve "I1.v The val e 15 has one port connected with the conduit 15 through conduit 18, while another port of the valve 15 communicates through the conduit 19 i with the port 55 in the end member l3 of the valve basing 15. The conduit 15 also communicates with the conduit 51. The other port 5| in the end member I3 is connected by means of conduit 85 with one port of the three-way valve 11.

Branching off from the conduit 18 is a conduit 55 leading to the three-way valve 11. The threeway valves 1|, 15 and 11 may be operated in anv desired manner,

for instance, merely by actuatfrom the conduit 55 is a conduit 55. In other words,

in the end member tion between the conduits 15 and 14, while interrupting fluid connection between the conduits 18 and 18. Consequently, the cylinder 4| and also the cylinder 25 communicating with the latter through bore 48 is connected through conduits" and 14 with the fluid tank 5|.

Since, on the other hand, the valve members 82 and 84, in the position shown in the drawings, establish fluid connection between the conduits 15, 13 and 85, pilot fluid pressure is conveyed from conduits 15 and 13 into the cylinders 82 and 24, while simultaneously fluid pressure is conveyed from the pilot pump 55 through conduits 15', 8| and 85 into the until the piston portion abuts the abutment screw, 48, whereupon the valve member 28 comes to a halt. The elements in the valve casing|5 then occupy the position this position, fluid connection is established between the conduits escape through the said the tank 5| As a result thereof, the ram 58 starts to move downwardly by gravity. j

As will be clear from the above, the adjustment of the abutment screw 48 with regard to the piston portion 44 opening 18 is released by piston portion 28 and, consequently, the size of the opening through which the fluid escapes from conduit tocon- 48, with regard to piston portion 44,"determines the speed at which the ram 52 is permitted to slide downwardly by gravity. i

The suction created in the upper portion 0! the press cylinder 52 during the downward movement of the ram from the tank 8| through the make-up device 51 into the upper portion of the press cylinder 52. As soon as the platen arm 55 releases the valve 58,

- the latter establishes fluid connection between the ing the respective valve members 82, 83 and 8 i The said three-way valves may and ty e and are tion the pressure respective pilot lines other position of the valves, the conduit 15 is connected with the exhaust line 14.

Operation be of any standso arranged that in one pos line 15 communicates with t e The operation of the valve according to the present invention will best appear when described in connection with the operation oi the press circuit shown in Figure 7.

Assuming that the ram 53 is in position, in which the platen arm 55 causes the valve 55 to interrupt fluid connection between the conduits 51 and 58, and that it is now desired to start a pressing cycle, fluid sources 53 and 59 for delivery and shifts the valve member 83 so as to establish fluid connec- 13, 18 and 85. while in the its uppermost the operator conditions the conduits 58 and 51. This, however, does not cause any change in the operation, since the con-' duit 15 is at this time connected to the tank 5 I, as previously mentioned.

When the press platen 54 engages the work piece, pressure begins to build up in the upper portion of the press cylinder 52, which pressure closes the make-up device 51 so as to interrupt fluid connection between the tank 5| andthe conduit 58. The operator now shii'ts'the valve member 84 so as to interruptffluid connection between the conduit 85 andthe conduit 8|, which latter is connected to the pressure line 15, while fluid connection is established between the conduits 85 and 15, which latter communicates with thetank5l.

Consequently, the cylinder 43 is now connected to the tank 5| so that the pressure acting in cylinders 32 and 24 shifts the valve member 28 further toward the right from Figure 3 into Figure 4 position, until either the piston portion 88 abuts the ring member 39, or the piston portion 45 of the plunger The elements in the valve casing l5 then occupy the position shown in Figure 4. In this position,

fluid connection is established between the presa sure line Gland the conduit 55 so that fluid pressure from the fluid source 53 is conveyed through conduits 54 and 55 into the upper portion of the 3 right hand portion of the cylinder 43. Therefore since, as previously mentioned. 7

shown in Figure 3. In

58 and 5550 that fluid from the lower portion of the press cylinder 52 may, conduits 55 and "into determines the extent to which the the adjustment 0! screw 58 by gravity causes fluid to flow 35 abuts the abutment screw 48.

2,316,944 press cylinder 52, where it acts upon the ram 53 and causes the latter stroke.

When the pressing stroke is completed, and the operator desires to return the ram to its retracted, position, he shifts the valve member 82 so as to interrupt fluid connection between the conduits l and 13, while establishing fluid connection between the conduits 13 and 12. h a Consequently, the cylinders 32 and 24 are now connected with the tank 51. The operator furthermore returns the valve members 83 and 84 into their position shown in Figure 7, in which they establish fluid connection between the conduits 80, 8|, 19, I8 and 10, so that fluid pressure prevails in cylinder 43 and also in cylinders 4| and 25.

Inasmuch as the piston surface of piston 44 toward the right is'smaller than the piston area 0!.piston 44 adjacent the piston 4|, no movement of the piston 44 toward the left occurs. Since, on the other hand, as previously men tioned, the cylinders 24 and 32 are connected with the tank 6|, the fluid pressure prevailing in cylinders 4i and 25 causes the valve member 23 to move toward the left until either the piston portion 29 of the valve member 23 engages the ring member 30, or the piston portion 3! of plunger 21 abuts the abutment screw 35. The elements in the'valve casing l0 then occupy the position shown in Figure 5. In this position, fluid connection is established between the main port 2| and the port 59, while, on the other hand, the ports l9 and 20 are in fluid communication with each other. Therefore, pressure fluid is now conveyed from the fluid source 63 through the conduits G4 and 59 into the lower portion of the press cylinder 52, while fluid escapes from the upper portion 01' press cylinder 52 through the conduits 65 and 60 into the tank Bl. The press ram 53, therefore, moves upwardly.

When the press ram 53 has reached its uppermost or retracted position, the operator shifts the valve member 82- into its position shown in Figure 7, so that fluid connection is again established between conduits 10 and 13, while fluid to perform its pressing nor withdrawn from the press cylinder 52, the ram 53 comes to a halt.

In this retracted position, the arm 55 engages the valve 56 so as to cause the latter to interrupt fluid connection between the conduits 51 and 58. -However, if, due to leakage, the ram 53 should dropsomewhat, the arm'55 immediately releases the valve 56 so that the latter establishes fluid .connectiors'between the conduits and 58. Since, as has been mentioned above,

at this time fluid pressure prevails in conduit I9,

which now communicates with the pressure line III of the pilot pump 69, this pressure is immeconnection is interrupted between the conduits- 13 and .12. Pilot pressure fluid is, therefore, conveyed from the pilot pump 69 through conduits and 73 into the cylinder 32 and through bore 33 into the cylinder 24. The combined fluid pressure prevailing in .the cylinders32 and 24 overcomes the fluid pressure in the cylinder and moves the valve member 23 toward the right until the shoulder 3|a of piston portion 3! engages the shoulder 01'- the ring member 30, whereupon the valve member 23 comes to a halt pro: vided that thebottom' area ,24a'of the cylinder 24 is not greater than the bottom area of cylinder 25. However, if, 'dueto improper machining, the area 24ashould be slightly largerthan the bottom area in cylinder 25, the valve; member 23 would be stopped by abutment of piston portion 38 with the shoulder 3". It will be noted that the right hand area oi piston portion 40 is larger than the area.24a so that the valve member 23 is properly returned to its outer or closing position. v r l The elements in the valve casing l0 then occupy the position shown in Figure 2, in which fiu'id connection is interrupted between the main port 2| and the ports I8 and I9, while fluid connection is likewise interrupted between the ports I! and 20 with either of the ports i8 and I9. Consequently, since fluid is neither admitted to said main cylinder, said main ,60'

conduits 51 and 58.

through to said valve reciprocably mounted in said spectively and having a bore diately conveyed to conduit 57 and from there into the lower portion of the press cylinder 52 so as to return the ram 53 to its retractedposk tion,

When this position has been reached, the arm 55 again actuates the valve latter to interrupt fluid 56,so as to cause the connection between the As will be noted, the automatic return of the ram 53 to its retracted position, in case the ram 53 should drop, due to leakage, is eifected without actuation of the elements in the valve casing l0.

It willbe understood that I desire to comprehend within my invention such modifications as come within the scope of the claims and the invention.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is: r r

1. In combination in a valve, a casing having a longitudinal bore therein with an inlet port, an outlet port and two service ports, a valve member reciprocable in said bore for controlling said ports. and fluid operable means operable to shift said valve member so as to cause the latter selectively to connect one of said serviceports with said inlet port, while simultaneously connecting the other service port with said outlet port, or to effect fluid connection between said outlet port and one of said service ports, while simultaneously pre-, venting fluid connection between said other service port and said inlet port. 5 V

I 2. In combination in a valve, a casing having a main cylinder, a first auxiliary cylinder adjacent one end of said main cylinder and a second auxiliary cylinderadjacent the other end of said main cylinder, said main cylinder being provided with two service ports, an inlet port and two interconnected outlet ports, a valve member reciprocably mounted in said main cylinder for controlling the fluid connection between said ports, and-fluidoperable plunger means reciprocable in said first and second auxiliary cylinders and provided with means to convey pressure fluid theremember for controlling the position thereof 3. In combination in a valve, a casing having a main. cylinder, aflrst auxiliary cylinder adjacept ,one end of said main cylinder and a second auxiliary cylinder adjacent the "other end of cylinder being provided with two service ports, an inlet port and two interconnected outlet ports, a valve member main cylinder for controlling the fluid connection between said ports, two opposed plungers reciprocably mounted in said flrst and second auxiliary cylinders retherethrough i'or establishing fluid connection between the respective auxiliary cylinder and an area on said valve member for exerting fluid pressure thereupon,

and means for selectively admitting fluid presone of two positions.

sure to or withdrawing fluid pressure from said auxiliary cylinders. V r

4. In combination in a valve, a casing having a main cylinder, a first auxiliary cylinder adjarent one end of said main cylinder and a second auxiliary cylinder adjacent the other end of said main cylinder, said main cylinder beinglprovided with two service ports, an inlet port and an outlet port, a valve member reciprocably'mounted in said main cylinder for controlllng'the fluid con-- nection between said ports, said valve member being provided'with two opposed but separate control cylinders, a first hollow control plunger having a portion of larger section reciprocable in said first auxiliary cylinder and a portion oi. smaller section reciprocable in the adjacent control cylinder, a second hollow control plunger having a portion of smaller section reciprocable in the other contr 1 cylinder and a portion oilarger section reciprocable in said second auxiliary cylinder, and means for selectively admitting fluid to or withdrawing fluid from said auxiliary cylinders, 7 o 5. In combination in a valve, acasing having a bore therein with an inlet port, an outlet port and two service ports, a valve member reciprocable in said bore ,for controlling said ports, fluid operable shifting means operableto shift said valve memher so as selectively to connect one of said service ports with said inlet port, while simultaneously connecting the other service port with said outlet port, or to efl 't restricted fluid connection between said outlet'port and one of said service ports, while simultaneously preventing fluid connection between said other service port and said inlet port, and limiting movement of said valve member in one direction. 1

" 6. In combination in a valve, a casing having a main cylinder, a first auxiliary cylinder adjacent one end said main cylinder and a second auxiliary cylinder adjacent the other end 01 said main cylinder, said main cylinder being provided with two servlceports; an inlet port and two interconnected outlet ports, a'valve member reciprocably mounted in said main cylinder for controlling the fluid connection between said ports, said valve member being provided-with two op- ,posed but separate control cylinders, a first hollow control plunger having a portion 01 larger section reciprocable in said first auxiliary cylinder and a portion of smaller section reciprocable in the adjacent control cylinder, 9. second hollow control plunger having a portion of smaller section reciprocable in the other control cylinder and a portion of larger section reciprocable in said second auxiliary cylinder, a plurality 0! adjustable abutment members adjacent said first and second plungers for limiting the strokesthereoi in one direction, and fluid operable means for shifting one of said abutment members selectively into 7 In combination in a valve, a, casing having a main cylinder. a flrst auxiliary cylinder adiacent one end of said main cylinder and a second auxiliary and a third auxiliary cylinder adjacent the other end of said main cylinder, said main cylinder being provided with two service ports, an inlet port and two interconnected outlet ports, a valve member reciprocably mounted in said main cylinder for controlling the fluid connection between said ports, said valve memher being provided with-two opposed but separate control cylinders, a firstfhollow fluid operfluid operableabutment means for reciprocable in said first auxiliary cylinder and a members, and means for e withdrawing fluid from said auxiliary cylinders to cause the respective auxiliary plungers'to vary portion of smaller section reciprocable in the adjacent control cylinder. a second hollow fluid operable control plunger'having a portion of smaller section reciprocable in the other-control cylinder and a portion'o'i larger section recipro-' cable in said second auxiliary cylinder, a plurality of abutment members adjacent said first and second plungers for limiting the strokes thereof in one direction, a double-acting fluid operable plunger in saidthird auxiliary cylinder for varying the position'of admitting fluldto or the position of said valvemember.

8. In combination in a lvalve, a l a bore therein'with an inlet port, an outletpo'r't and two s erviceporta a valve. member reciprocable in said bore for controlling said ports, fluid operable abutment membersadjacenteach end of said valve member {oi-shifting the same into predetermined positions, and means associated with said abutment members for admitting pressure fluid through saidabutment members to said valve member for exerting shifting pressure thereupon.

9. In combination ,ina a longitudinal borejtherein with can inletport, two service ports and two interconnected outlet ports, a valve member reciprocable in said bore for controlling said ports, 'fluid operable means operable to shift said valve member so asselectively' to connect one of saidrservic'er ports with said inlet port, while simultaneously connecting the other service port with one of said outlet ports, or to effect connection between one of said outlet ports and one of simultaneously preventing fluid connection between the other service port and saidjinlet' port, ands. plurality of adjustable abutment means adjacent said fluid operable means for varying the maximum stroke of said ,fluid' ,operable' means, one of said abutment means being carried by a fluid operable piston. v Y 7 10. In combination ina a bore therein with an inlet port, an outlet port and two service ports, a valve member-reciprocable in said'bore for controlling said ports, two opposed control cylinders respectively-arranged adjacent each end of said valve member and forming an integral unit therewith, fluid operable plungers havingja bore therethrough and being reciprocably arranged in said control cylinders, and means for selectively admitting pressure, fluid to said 'plungers and said control cylinders, or to withdraw fluid therefrom for controlling the position of'said valve'member.

11. In combination in a valve, a valve casing having a central portion with a main'bore and two end portions each having an auxiliary cylinder therein, one of said end portions also being provided with a control cylinder, said main bore having two service ports, an inlet port and an outlet port, a plurality of plungers respectively reciprocable in said auxiliary cylinders and adapted to engage said valve member for causable plunger having a portion oftlarger section plungers having a ing shiftingmovement thereof, each of said bore therethrough for establishing fluid connection between the respective auxiliary cylinder and a predetermined area of said valve member, a double-acting control piston having abutment means associated therewith and being fluid operable to limit the move ,7

ment of one of said plungei's in' one-direction,

one of said abutment casing having I valve, a casing having said, service ports, while 7 and means for selectively admitting fluid presrocably mounted in said main cylinder for consure to or releasing fluid p essure from said auxtrolli iliary cylinders and their adjacent predetervided with two opposed areas of substantially mined areas on said 'alve member. the same size, two auxiliary plungers respectively 12. In combination ;n a valve, a casing having a main cylinder, a first auxiliary cylinder adfeeting a shifting movement of said valve memjacent one end of said main cylinder and a second ber, each of said auxiliary plungers being pro and third auxiliary cylinder adjacent the other vided with a passageway for conveying pressure end of said main cylinder, said main cyl'nder befluid from the respective auxiliary cylinder to the plurality of pilot ports foradmitting fluid pres- 730 having an extension respectively reciprocable in sure to or releasing fluid pressure from said auxsaid opposed cyllnders, each of said auxiliary iliary cylinders to cause said auxiliary plungers plungers having a passageway associated thereto shift said valve member into a desired conwith for conveying fluid pressure from the retrolling position. spective auxiliary cylinder to the adJacent one inder for controlling the fluid connection between 40 16. In' combination in a valve, a casing having ports, or into position for restricted fluid connec- 45 said valve member so as to cause the latter se- 14. In combination in a valve, a casing having 50 service port, or to efi'ect unrestricted fluid cona main cylinder and two auxiliary cylinders adnection between said outlet port and one service provided with an inlet and an outlet port and said inlet port. with two service ports, a valve member recipi 

